Planting perennials and shrubs

Where to plant perennials and shrubs?

Choosing location is one of most important steps when planting your perennials and shrubs. You must consider, for each plant, its requirements for exposure, soil and protection from wind. For example, full-sun plants, such as asters or lavenders, require at least six hours of direct sun per day. Conversely, some plants, such as hydrangeas or hostas, should be planted in shady or partially shaded spots to prevent their leaves from scorching in strong sun.

Before planting, take time to observe your garden, its sun exposure at different times of day, as well as areas sheltered from wind. More delicate plants can suffer in places too exposed to draughts.

Resist temptation to place a shade-loving shrub on a south-facing terrace or a Mediterranean perennial on a north-facing site… Establishment, growth and future flowering depend on it!

Also take into account mature size of plants you are planting. We often tend to underestimate space needed at maturity. To prevent plants becoming overcrowded or smothering their neighbours, find out about their future development. Generally, position largest shrubs at back of beds, medium-sized plants in centre, and smaller plants or groundcover at front. This structures space visually while making access to plants at back easier.

Plant colour is also an important element to consider. You can create visual impact by grouping plants of similar colours or by creating vivid colour contrasts. For example, combine yellow and orange perennials for a warm, sunny effect, or pair blue- and purple-flowering plants for a cooler, more peaceful atmosphere.

Moreover, you can play with textures by combining foliage of different shapes and sizes to add depth and interest to your garden. Keeping these key elements in mind when planning your garden allows you to create a beautiful, harmonious space for your shrubs and perennials.

Location is one of first elements to consider when planting perennials and shrubs

In which type of soil should they be planted?

When planting, take into account your soil type as well as specific needs of your plant.

• For a plant tolerant of soil type, use your garden soil, to which you can mix an equal part of potting compost to pamper your new arrival.
• The ericaceous plants require an acidic soil. If your garden soil is not acidic, dig a very large planting hole and fill it with heather soil. Each year top up the surface (replace a few centimetres of soil with heather soil).
• Plants of humus-bearing soil (relatively light, free-draining, rich in humus, like woodland soil) are vulnerable to drought, especially during summer heat. At planting, create a watering basin around the plant. If your garden soil is heavy (clayey) or very free-draining (sandy), add at planting a planting compost of leaf mould, turf or well-rotted compost.
• Conversely, plants of dry ground fear waterlogging, especially in winter, and require the addition of gravel or pumice if your garden soil is heavy. You can also plant them on a slightly raised mound to favour water runoff.
• To ensure healthy growth, soil must be rich in nutrients. If soil is poor, add compost or organic fertiliser to improve quality.

When to plant perennials and shrubs?

How to plant perennials and shrubs?

Planting a shrub or a perennial may vary slightly depending on the plants you choose, but here are the general steps to follow for successful planting :

• Prepare the soil : Dig a hole about twice the width and depth of the rootball. Loosen the bottom of the planting hole well: your plants will establish much better in loosened soil. Amend the soil with compost or an organic amendment to improve soil quality.
• Soak your potted plants in a tub of water. For small pots (9 cm), 15 minutes is enough; for large pots, allow at least one hour. This allows the roots to absorb water and helps establishment.
• If planting several plants in a bed, leave between each plant the distance corresponding to their mature spread. Lack of space can cause competition between plants for resources and hinder their development.
• Gently remove the plant from its pot by tapping the sides to free the rootball. If the roots are root-bound or too dense, gently loosen them with your fingers to encourage them to spread into the soil.
• Place the rootball in centre of the hole, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the soil, neither too deep nor too exposed.
• Backfill with the soil removed, then firm lightly with your hands to remove air pockets, without over-compacting the soil so as not to impede the roots.
• Once the plant is positioned, water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the roots and ensure good contact with the soil.
• Add a layer of organic mulch (straw, wood chips, dead leaves) around the plant. This helps retain moisture, reduces weed growth, and protects the roots from cold in winter and heat in summer.
• During the first weeks, water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, even for drought-tolerant plants. Once established, adjust watering according to the specific needs of each plant.